Letter: Taking blood is still a painful process

Letters editor

Since you published my last letter I have the good news that Scarborough Hospital has now purchased a portable International Normalised Ratio testing machine (international normalised ratio in blood clotting). It has been used on my wife whilst she was in hospital and they just needed her international normalised ratio not full bloods.

It is, however, for some reason, not being used on all patients who only require a international normalised ratio for warfarin dose calculation. For some reason it is not used by clinical support and the phlebotomists.

These are the people who take most blood samples. It would be very beneficial for other patients who are staying in Scarborough Hospital. The finger prick is quick and less painful than full blood samples with a syringe.

Since my wife has been at home she requires daily international normalised ratio this is done by our local surgery except weekends and bank holidays.

Over Christmas this led to several trips to Scarborough Hospital A&E department. Once again the portable International Normalised Ratio machine was not available for use.

This led to once again my wife having to have full blood samples taken. One day this took 12 attempts before a blood sample was obtained.

I am trying to get the hospital to use the new modern equipment that causes less stress and distress for patients.